The shooting of a nine-year-old girl and three men, aged 26, 37 and 42, who were all taken to hospital for gunshot wounds by an attacker on a motorbike has sparked anger and fear among residents.
Stay-at-home mum Ana Ceceila Santos, 35, lives five minutes away from where the shooting happened in Hackney with her partner and two children.
She said: “It makes me feel worried about my kids growing up in this environment. There was a drive-by shooting on the main road, where we usually go out for concerts.”
The young girl and men were sitting at a restaurant when they were shot, police arrived at the scene within minutes of the crime scene being reported.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said: “I know that local people will be extremely concerned by this incident.
“We share that concern and an urgent investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend those responsible.”
Police believe that there was no link between the men injured and the girl, and they are looking to expedite enquiries, seeking responsible parties and to identify the motive of the shooting.
Conway said: “We are keen to identify other witnesses who were in the area around the scene at the time of the shooting.”
Santos describes her local area of Hackney as multicultural and a busy place with a large offering of shops and cafes.
She said: “This is a first, this close to where we live, generally it’s safe, there is some weird stuff in Hackney but I wouldn’t say it’s unsafe.”
Metropolitan Police said: “If you have any information that could assist our investigation please do the right thing and tell us what you know by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Image source: Unsplash Asim Rehman
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